• Thousands of Islamists, led by Hefazat-e-Islam, protested in Dhaka against proposed reforms to women's rights laws, deeming them contradictory to Sharia.
• Protesters demanded the interim government ban the Awami League party and implement Sharia law, including capital punishment for blasphemy.
• The rise in Islamist influence since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina raises concerns about the rights of women and minorities.

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Dhaka, Bangladesh, became the site of a significant rally as thousands of Islamists protested against proposed changes to women's rights laws. The demonstration, organized by the influential Islamist group Hefazat-e-Islam, drew approximately 20,000 participants who voiced strong opposition to government proposals including equal inheritance rights for women, a ban on polygamy, and recognition of sex workers as laborers. The group's leaders assert that these reforms contradict Sharia law and threaten traditional Islamic values. This event underscores the growing influence of Islamist parties in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent rise of an interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus.

• What: Thousands of Islamists rallied in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to protest proposed changes to women's rights laws and demand the implementation of Sharia law.
• Who: Hefazat-e-Islam is the primary organizer of the rally. Key individuals include Mamunul Haque, a leader of Hefazat-e-Islam, and Muhammad Yunus, the head of the interim government. Other groups involved include the Awami League, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
• When: The rally took place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Hefazat-e-Islam threatened to organize nationwide rallies on May 23 if their demands are not met. Elections are expected by June 2026.
• Where: The main rally occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh, near Dhaka University and Suhrawardy Udyan.

The rally in Dhaka highlights the increasing influence of Islamist groups in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The proposed reforms to women's rights laws have become a focal point for contention, with Islamist groups viewing them as a threat to traditional Islamic values and Sharia law. The demands for the implementation of Sharia law, including capital punishment for blasphemy, raise serious concerns about the future of secularism and human rights in Bangladesh. The political landscape is further complicated by the upcoming elections, in which Islamist parties aim to gain significant representation, potentially reshaping the country's legal and social framework. The concerns expressed by women and minority groups underscore the potential for increased social divisions and discrimination.

The commission is disrespectful to Islamic family traditions. It seems they want to destroy the religious values attached to marriage and divorce and want to establish a Western society.

We demand death sentences for speaking against Allah, tarnishing the image of the Prophet, and offending Muslims. There is no room for negotiation in this regard.

In the name of women’s reform, Islam has been insulted. Hefazat always honors women. If needed, we will take to the streets again to ensure that the constitution reflects complete trust in Allah.

The Islamist protests in Bangladesh against proposed women's rights reforms signal a growing assertion of religious conservatism in the nation's political landscape. The interim government faces significant pressure from these groups, as well as the broader challenge of preparing for elections amid rising social tensions. The future of women's rights and minority protections remains uncertain, pending the outcome of the elections and the direction taken by the next government. The situation warrants continued monitoring to assess the long-term impact on Bangladesh's social and political stability.